12/12/2016 (Agence Europe) – Russia, Ukraine and the European Commission (representing the EU) agreed in Brussels on Friday 9 December to continue their talks on the supply of Russian gas to Ukraine during the winter of 2016-2017 and ensure the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine to the EU. “The trilateral format has again proven its usefulness today. Facilitated by the Commission, substantial progress on gas sale and purchase has been made, but some work still remains to be done. Parties were close to conclude today and will now need to discuss the format of the agreement. I was reassured that dialogue will continue”, said Commission Vice-President Maros Sefcovic after the meeting. Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak and his Ukrainian counterpart Ihor Nasalyk pledged to work closely with Sefcovic in order to “ensure gas flows from Russia to Ukraine and gas transits to the EU”, a joint statement said. Russia expects to sell between 1.5 and 4 billion cubic metres of gas to Ukraine. (EH)